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Spain

Madrid travel guide

Royal palaces, world-class museums, wide parks and the best shopping in Spain.

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Photo: Felipe Gabaldón · CC BY 2.0
Best time to visit
April-June and September-October
Flight from the Gulf
About 7 h direct from Dubai, Doha and Riyadh
Airport
Madrid-Barajas (MAD), 25 min to the centre
Time difference
2 h behind Riyadh in winter, 1 h in summer
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Spanish
Visa
Schengen visa (UAE passports visa-free for short stays)

Madrid is the elegant capital of Spain: a city of grand boulevards, royal palaces and green parks, where families stroll late into the evening and dinner starts after nine. It is easy to visit, safe and very welcoming to Gulf travellers, and it has the largest mosque in Spain.

Plan three to four days for the city itself: one day for the Royal Palace and the old town around Plaza Mayor, one day for the Prado Museum and Retiro Park, and time for shopping on Calle Serrano and Gran Vía. Add a day trip to Toledo, the old capital, only 70 kilometres away.

The best months are April to June and September to October. July and August are very hot (often 35 to 40 °C in the afternoon), so plan visits in the morning and rest at the hotel after lunch, as the locals do.

Things to do in Madrid

The places our guests love most, with the time you need and how to avoid the queues.

The largest royal palace in Western Europe, with more than 3,000 rooms. Visit the throne room, the royal armoury and the Sabatini gardens, then walk to…

2 hours

One of the great art museums of the world, with works by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco. Even one hour with a guide is worth it.…

2-3 hours

Madrid's favourite park, perfect for families. Rent a rowing boat on the big lake, see the Crystal Palace and let the children play while you rest…

1-2 hours

The grand 17th-century square at the heart of old Madrid. From here walk to the San Miguel market, Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace. In…

1-2 hours

The home of Real Madrid, rebuilt with a new retractable roof. The tour shows the trophy room, the dressing rooms and the pitch side. A must…

1.5 hours

The old capital of Spain on a hill above the Tagus river, where Muslim, Christian and Jewish history meet. See the Mosque of Cristo de la…

Full day

Hotels in Madrid

Hotels we know and recommend. Send your dates: we book the best rate for you and confirm on WhatsApp.

Summary

Madrid ★★★★★

Canalejas, Centro

Family suites · Spa and indoor pool

Best priceon request
Summary

Madrid ★★★★★

Castellana, Salamanca

Large suites · Near Calle Serrano

Best priceon request
Summary

Madrid ★★★★★

Paseo del Prado, Retiro

Next to Retiro Park · Spa

Best priceon request
Summary

Madrid ★★★★★

Ópera, near the Royal Palace

Rooftop pool in summer · Walk to the Royal Palace

Best priceon request

All hotels in Madrid

Tours, packages and transfers in Madrid

Private day trips with your own driver and guide, complete holidays, and airport transfers at a fixed price.

Where to stay in Madrid

SalamancaElegant and calm, with Calle Serrano and the luxury shops. Our first choice for families and shopping, close to Retiro Park.
Centro (Sol, Gran Vía, Canalejas)In the heart of everything. Walk to the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and the big shops. Busier and noisier at night.
Paseo del Prado and RetiroMuseums and the park on your doorstep. Quiet streets, good for walking with children.
CastellanaThe modern business avenue near the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Large rooms and good value hotels.

Halal food and prayer

Al-Mounia Halal Moroccan · Calle de Recoletos 5, Salamanca A classic Moroccan restaurant with a beautiful traditional interior. Tagines, couscous and pastilla. Book ahead for dinner.
Restaurant at the Islamic Cultural Centre Halal Arabic · Mezquita de la M-30, Ciudad Lineal The restaurant inside the M-30 mosque complex. Simple Arabic dishes and grills - convenient after Friday prayer.
Saffron Halal Persian · Near Gran Vía Persian and international cooking near Gran Vía. Kebabs, rice dishes with saffron and grilled meats.

Halal status is what the restaurant tells its guests and can change. When you book with us, we check it again before your trip.

Tips for your trip to Madrid

  1. Book the Royal Palace and the Prado online: timed tickets skip the long queues in summer.
  2. Spaniards eat late. Lunch is 14:00-16:00 and dinner from 21:00; many restaurants are closed between 16:00 and 20:00.
  3. Most big shops open on Sundays only in the centre (Gran Vía, Sol). On Calle Serrano many close.
  4. Ask for tax-free forms when you shop. Non-EU visitors get the VAT back at the airport.
  5. Taxis are white with a red stripe. From the airport to the centre there is a fixed fare.
  6. Watch your bag in the metro, at Puerta del Sol and on Gran Vía, where pickpockets work in crowds.

Questions

How many days do we need in Madrid?

Three or four days is ideal for the city, plus one day for Toledo or Segovia.

Is Madrid good for families with children?

Yes. Retiro Park, the Faunia and Zoo Aquarium, the cable car to Casa de Campo and Parque Warner are favourites with children.

Can we visit Madrid in summer?

Yes, but it is very hot in July and August. Choose a hotel with a pool, see the sights in the morning and go out again in the evening.

Can you book the hotel and a driver for us?

Yes. Send us your dates and we confirm the hotel, airport pick-up, a car with driver and tours in one price.

Read before you go to Madrid

Plan your trip to Madrid with us

Hotel, car with driver, tours and restaurants: tell us your dates and who is travelling. We reply in Arabic or English with a full plan and one price. No payment until you confirm.

  • Reply within a few hours
  • Family rooms and halal restaurants checked for you
  • Support on WhatsApp during the trip
Travel dates
Travellers

Photo credits

Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under their free licences.